Business in Tokyo for people starting out or coming in from abroad. This section covers the startup ecosystem, finding a co-founder, trademarks for foreign founders, opening a business bank account, co-working desks in Shibuya and investment in shopping streets. It also looks at how events such as the Hanabi festivals drive sponsorship.
A business account in Tokyo rarely arrives when founders expect it. Most assume that once the company is registered, the bank follows automatically. In practice, the account often has to exist before the company does, since capital must sit somewhere before incorporation is final. This guide walks through where that catches people out, which banks … Read more
Shotengai investment is one of Tokyo’s most undervalued retail opportunities, sitting in plain view on nearly every neighborhood street in the city. What a shotengai actually is Tokyo contains hundreds of these streets. A shotengai is a style of Japanese commercial district, typically a local market street closed to car traffic, where small specialty shops … Read more
Tokyo co-founder search is one of the first real tests a foreign entrepreneur faces in Japan, where trust and personal connection shape every serious business relationship. Why trust comes before the pitch Japan’s business culture places a high value on established relationships. Japanese venture capital firms tend to be more conservative and relationship-driven compared to … Read more
The hanabi festival on the Sumida River has become more than a summer tradition. In 2026, it is a commercial battleground where brands compete for the attention of nearly 1 million spectators in one of Asia’s most concentrated consumer audiences. Why the hanabi festival draws such large crowds The Sumidagawa hanabi festival is Japan’s oldest … Read more
Japan trademark law is more accessible to foreign founders than most people assume, and understanding the system correctly is the first step toward real protection in one of Asia’s largest markets. Why Japan trademark protection matters for foreign brands Japan operates a first-to-file system, meaning the first applicant usually prevails, regardless of prior unregistered use. … Read more
Tokyo startup momentum has shifted in a way that demands attention from any founder who has yet to look east: a combination of government policy, global capital, and deep tech infrastructure is producing results that most outside observers have underestimated. What the numbers reveal about Tokyo startup growth Tokyo’s startup ecosystem grew 24.2% in 2025, … Read more
A co-working desk in Shibuya gives foreign professionals a legitimate Tokyo base without the barriers that make traditional office rental so difficult in Japan. Why Shibuya is the right choice for your first workspace Shibuya is one of the most active business districts in Japan, home to a thriving creative sector and a vibrant multi-sector … Read more
